3 steps to refresh your pool deck

[Photo via CDN Home Designing]

by: RONAMAG

Decor column - published on Wednesday, July 25, 2012

I painted a wood deck around my semi-inground pool. Over the years, the paint has begun to peel off. What should I do?
Syliva - Vancouver, British Colombia

The combination of the hot sun, bathers traffic, and splashing from salt - or chlorine can quickly age the deck around a pool.

First, be aware that water-based latex primers and paints aren’t recommended for pressure-treated wood decking. The tannins in pressure-treated wood can still seep through latex-based products and result in eventual chipping and flaking.

[Photo via Elyria Fence]

Clean it

Paint stripper is usually used to remove paint, but since decks are typically located by the pool and often near flowers, grass, and shrubs, this product isn’t recommended. Instead, give the deck a thorough scrub-down with a specially-formulated deck preparation cleaner. RONA offers an excellent biodegradable wood cleaner.

[Photo via Building Moxie]

Prepare it

After the deck dries, fill in any nail or screw holes and give the entire deck a good sanding, which will remove any last traces of dirt and old paint. Once the sanding dust has been cleared away and the wood is completely dry, be sure to cover and tape off the areas you don’t want to paint.

[Photo via Homelife]

Protect it

Apply a coat of oil-based primer and allow it to dry for at least 48 hours. Next, apply two coats of an oil-based paint, allowing for sufficient drying time between each coat.

Keep in mind that paint isn’t your only option, as there are a number of oil-based stains, ranging from transparent to opaque, that can also give your deck a fresh new look!